Health is a relationship between you and your body.

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if dark and cold weather makes you depressed and tired, learn about Seasonal affective disorder and what are the best ways to treat it.Seasonal affective disorder or winter blue is a mood disorder in which people may experience depression/anxiety mostly in winters although they have normal mental health. Around 6%of UK population and between 2-8%of people in other high latitude countries such as Denmark, Canada and Sweden these symptoms may interfere with the normal routine of people and they are unable to perform their work or function properly due to the severity of these symptoms. women are 40% more likely than men to experience symptoms of SAD.

How to diagnose PCOS??

This condition should invite early diagnosis and intervention because there is considerable evidence that women with PCOS are at increased risk of infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A Rotterdam criterion is widely used as a diagnostic assessment for PCOS. It requires two of the following three features;

Irregular or skipped periods

Anovulation

Multiple cysts in ovaries on ultrasound

Higher levels of Androgens; either manifested by symptoms like Hirsuitism, Acne or balding or biological evidence like raised levels of Testosterone in their blood tests.

Causes and risk factors;

The exact cause of this syndrome remains elusive however excess androgens production and insulin resistance may cause this syndrome. A Genetic factor is also important as several studies reported an increase incidence among first degree relatives. It is reported by studies that around 50-70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance meaning their cells are not able to use insulin effectively. To keep body glucose normal, the body tries to pump out the high level of insulin. This hyperinsulinemia is associated with weight gain and increase production of androgen hormone testosterone. Insulin resistance makes it harder to lose weight, that’s why women with PCOS experience this issue.

lifestyle interventions for PCOS management;

According to international PCOS guideline 2018, lifestyle interventions like diet, exercise, behaviour or combined are recommended as first line management for PCOS. Several studies reported the higher prevalence of obesity and overweight in women with PCOS as compared to the general population so these prevention opportunities are particularly relevant for the management of PCOS symptoms.

How the intervention might work

Lifestyle intervention is therefore anticipated to work because a reduction in the Body Mass Index (BMI) will be associated with a reduction in insulin resistance, which will, in turn, lead to an improvement in the reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS. Weight loss of as little as 5-10% has been demonstrated to correct oligo anovulation and improve the ability of women with PCOS to conceive.

PCOS nutrition ;

its is frequently asked by women with PCOS that which diet is best for curing their symptoms but unfortunately there is no such miracle diet. Research shows that diet which reduces insulin resistance like some carbs, proteins and healthy fats may help in improving menstrual irregularities and obesity.

➡️choose your carbs wisely as all carbs are not bad… carbohydrates with high fibre content like whole grains, lentils, legume and beans are helpful in reducing weight and risk of type 2 diabetes in women with PCOS.

➡️ Food with a low glycemic index (a ranking system indicate how rapidly blood sugar level rises after eating carbohydrates) may reduce insulin resistance as reported by several studies.

➡️ Protein may helps in cravings, balance hormones levels and aid in weight reduction, examples are lean meat, egg, seafood and plant based proteins. some evidence has suggested the beneficial effect of a diet with higher ratio of protein to carbohydrates.

sugary drinks like soda and juices as they increase blood sugar levels, which can lead to weight gain and worsen the symptoms of PCOS.

Processed food and red meat.

Review the stress in your life;

stress increases cortisol level and this high level is linked with insulin resistance and weight gain. yoga and meditation can reduce stress as reported by studies.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep:

Several studies observed that short sleep duration is significantly associated with metabolic abnormalities, including higher BMI, raised fasting insulin levels, and increased risk of insulin resistance. Make sure you are getting enough and good quality sleep.

Get active;

Regular physical activity may help in reducing insulin resistance. studies have shown that low intensity exercise like walking or cycling reduces levels of cortisol and helps in reducing insulin resistance.

Consider supplements;

certain supplements like vitamin D, Myo inositol may help manage weight and other symptoms of PCOS though there is very little research is available to recommend these supplements for PCOS.

Take-home message;

PCOS is distressing for most of the women due to its symptoms and it is suggested by clinicians and dietitians that life style modification is the first line treatment for overweight and obese women.However due to diversity of symptoms one size does no fit for all. Make healthy food choices and create workout plan that suits your body and your PCOS….

Bloating is swelling or distention of the abdomen (belly area) after eating.it is very frequent and normal for the majority of people. About 16-30% of people report that they regularly experience bloating after eating. But for some, it is quite painful and makes them sluggish and uncomfortable.

➡️Large meals: eating large potion means our body produces more gas during digestion and that process can lead to our tummy being larger.

➡️Food sensitivity: some food like beans, pulses, lactose, wheat, veggies high in FODMAP may cause bloating in some people.

➡️ fizzy drinks, drinking through a straw and talking during eating may increase the amount of swallowed air.

➡️Stress and anxiety may also cause bloating, poor sleeping habits can have an impact.

➡️Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol

How to reduce bloating;

👉Small meal and proper chewing: proper chewing may reduce the amount of swallowed air and makes you eat slower.

👉Check your fibre: fibre intake should be adequate. too little or too much fibre can make bloating worse.

👉Food records: food diaries may help to identify the patterns of symptoms and food you eat.

👉 Fermented food; eating fermented food like kimchi, tempeh, pickles and kefir may reduce bloating as they are full of probiotics and natural way to boost good bacteria in our gut.

👉 Stay well hydrated: As constipation is one of the main cause of bloating and could be triggered by not drinking enough fluid. Aim to drink 1.5 litres of water a day and cut down on hydration robbers like caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks.

👉Avoid chewing gums and carbonated drinks.

👉Regular exercise: A short walk after a meal can alleviate bloating. Aim for 30 minutes mild exercise. gentle exercise and stretching can help diffuse trapped gas like yoga

👉 Check your hormonal cycle; many women experienced bloating and constipation when their period is due, because of higher levels of progesterone. Overcome any hormonal hurdle by staying active, drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet.

👉Herbal tea can also helpful; peppermint tea or peppermint oil has been shown to relax our gut muscles and help relieve bloating triggered by trapped gas. several studies suggest that peppermint oil in IBS is helpful as it has an antispasmodic effect which means it relax our gut and reduce tummy pain and bloating associated with IBS.

▶️Take-home Message: it is important to remember that occasional bloating is normal but If bloating is associated with diarrhoea and other medical conditions you should consult with the doctor.

Sleep: the important pillar of health is forgotten by many of us…. constantly tired, puffy eyes and hands holding a cup loaded with caffeine is a common picture of this modern era. Sleep form around one- third of human life, so the shut-eye must be doing some restoration work which improves brain and body health.

What is Circadian rhythm;

it is 24 -hrs biological clock which regulate our sleeping pattern along with other vital functions like feeding , hormones production and body temperature. Normally this rhythm rises in morning time causes wakefullness and alertness, with the onset of darkness it dropped down to the lowest level and helps in sleeping.

Impact of sleep deprivation on our health;

Good sleep is as important as eating a healthy diet. Our body needs good sleep for maintaining brain health, mood stabilization and to fight against diseases. The cost of sacrificing sleep is very high, lack of sleep and disturbed sleep pattern are linked with health issues like obesity, depression, increased risk of diabetes and hypertension. Sleep deficiency does have a negative impact on work performance.

Sleep deprivation and Physical health; there is a growing body of evidence that sleep deprivation is associated with hypertension, coronary heart diseases (CHD), and diabetes mellitus(DM). Increased sympathetic nervous system activity is considered to serve as common pathophysiology in sleep deprivation’s relationships with these diseases.

Poor sleep and Obesity; The majority of studies found positive association between short sleep (<6 hrs/night) and obesity. Sleep deprivation is associated with altered metabolic and endocrine mechanism resulting in increased appetite and late-night cravings. Moreover, insufficient sleep makes you tired and less active, over time reduced physical activity may cause weight gain and obesity.

Poor sleep and Depression; Lack of sleep or disturbed sleep pattern has a direct link with psychological issues like depression and anxiety and suicide. Sleep deprivation causes decreased production of serotonin, a mood regulator chemical produced by our brain. Reduced level of serotonin causes depression and anxiety.

Poor sleep and work life: Short duration sleep may have a negative impact on a person’s work life. Poor sleep can impair people creative capacities and reduces motivation to learn and generate new ideas.

How much sleep do we really need?

Although there is no perfect sleep number to fit each individual, National sleep foundation published a report updating sleep recommendation for all ages.

How to imrove sleep hygiene ;

Food and drink; Avoid eating foods that are spicy and fatty as they are tough for the stomach and may disturb sleep. Timing of meal is also an important factor for having a good sleep. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine before going to bed.

Day light exposure; it is reported by some studies that daylight helps keep our circadian rhythm healthy.

Regular physical activity; According to National sleep foundation, people who exercise regularly have better sleep than those who do not. Some other studies suggested that exercise increases body temperature and increases production of Adenosine a chemical which causes drowsiness and improves circadian rhythm.

Maintaining good sleeping habits; Avoid day time sleep, stop using elecronic gadgets (cell phones, laptops, tv) 30 minutes before going to bed. Smartphone light distrub production of Melatonin a chemical produced by our brain, which plays a vital role in regulating sleep-wake cycles.

Make a regular sleep cycle: Regular sleep pattern may also help in improving sleep quality and duration. Waking up and going to the bed at the same times each day improves our wakeup/sleep cycle.

Clear your mind before going to bed; Several relaxing techniques like meditation, reading a book and relaxing massage may improve sleep quality and duration.

Take-home message ;

Sleep is the third pillar of a healthy life and good sleep is important for our physical and mental health. Everyone has occasional disturbed sleep but if you are struggling with lack of sleep for prolong period, contact your doctor for identifying and treating any underlying cause.

”Happiness in simplicity can be achieved with a flexible mindset and nine hours of sleep each night.” – Dalai Lama

A balanced diet is essential for mental and physical wellness. Our brain has a high metabolic rate so it requires a large proportion of energy and nutrient intake. Diet deficient in vitamins and minerals has detrimental effects on brain health.

People are probably familiar with Vitamin B6, Folic acid and B12 but actually, there are eight different B vitamins. They are water-soluble so our body can not store them like fat-soluble Vitamins. Each member of B group has unique and diverse functions in our body. They have a paramount role in regulating metabolic pathways of protein, carbohydates and fats. Moreover, they are essential for red blood cell poduction, cell repair and DNA synthesis.

Vitamins in this goup are a:

Thiamine (B1)

Riboflavin (B2)

Niacin (B3)

Pantothenic Acid (B5)

Pyridoxine (B6)

Biotin (B7)

Folic Acid (B9)

Cobalamine B12)

Among all vitamin B, certain vitamins are linked to mental health like: B1, B6, B12 and Folic acid. It is suggested by several studies that low levels of vitamins B like B3, B6, and B12 may lead to depression and anxiety. One study concluded that having a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grain nuts and olive oil is associated with low levels of depression.Some studies have compared “traditional” diets like the #Mediterranean diet and the #traditional Japanese diet, high in vegetables and fruits, fish and seafood to a typical “Western” diet rich in processed, refined food and sugars and have shown that the risk of depression is 25% to 35% lower in those who eat a traditional diet.

Thiamine (B1): Thiamine is necessary for converting glucose into fuel for our body and cells in the brain. Thiamine also plays an important role in muscle contraction and nerve conduction. Its deficiency is very rare although chronic alcohol consumption may lead to thiamine deficiency.

Symptoms of Thiamine deficiency: Loss of sensation in hands and feet, loss of muscles and paralysis of lower leg. Thiamine deficiency also causes speech difficulties and mental confusion

Dietary sources of thiamine: thiamine is found in a variety of food so its deficiency is rare in people who are eating a healthy and balanced diet.

Beef liver

Black beans,lentils, fortified breakfasr cereal

Pork

Asparagus

Pyridoxin (B6); Pyridoxin has an important role in cell metabolism and nervous system . its deficiency may cause symptoms like:

Depression

Irritability

Neuritis

Difficulty in walking

Carpal tunnel syndrome (loss of feeling or pins and needles in the hands caused by swelling of connective tissue in the wrist which presses on nerves)

Dietary souces of B 6; Pyridoxine or B6 found in a wide variety of foods like:

Poultry like chicken or turkey

Bread, whole grain cereals such as oatmeal,wheat germ and brown rice

Eggs

Vegetables

Soybeans

Cobalamine (B12); It is essential for red cell production , DNA synthesis and integrity of myelin ( a component of nerve cell). its deficiency may cause symptoms like

Anaemia

Neuropathies

Depression

Memory loss

Dietary source of B12; This vitamin is exclusively found in food derived from animal hence vegan and vegetarian are increased risk of its deficiency.

Liver

Meat

Fish

Diary products

Niacin (B3); it is important for the production of chemical responsible for mood and emotions. serotonin is a mood regulator chemical produced by our brain and niacin is essential fo converting tryptophan into serotonin. its deficiency can directly impact mood and emotions due to impaired production of serotonin.

Dietary source of vitamin B 3

Liver, chicken, salmon

whole wheat, Bran

Mushrooms,peanuts, legume Nutritional yeast

coffee

Folic Acidor Folate; it is essential for DNA synthesis,Red cell production and its deficiency may cause Neural tube defects in the fetus.

Green leafy vegetables

Fortified breakfast cereals

whole- grain bread

Dried beans

Who needed vitamin B supplements; as vitamin B is normally found in wide vaierty of food and deficiencies are rar if you are eating a balanced diet, however people who are following a vegan diet may encounter deficiency .

Pregnant women

Lactating mothers

Older patients

People with certain medical conditions like celiac diseaes and inflammtory bowel diseases.

People who are on certain medications like Metformin and anticonvulsants.

People who had weight- loss surgeries.

What is the Bottom line .…

Mental wellness is associated with eating a balanced diet and by moving more. A good diet is proven to help you sleep better, make you more focused on good mood and better energy levels so choose your food wisely ………..Eat plenty of #fruits and #vegetables. Nuts and grain but avoid processed one Lean protein like Fish good sources of vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. sweets and fatty food should be special treats not staples of your diet.

Menopause is a phase of life in every woman when menstruation stopped naturally, however for some women this process is a time for anxiety and depression. Menopause usually occur at the ages of 45-55 years However, the average age for menopause in the UK is 51 years.

Physiology of Menopause;

Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by ovaries. This hormone is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in female ;like breast enlargement, broadening of the pelvis. However, estrogen receptors are also located in brain, skin, blood vessels and bones.

Estrogen is instrumented with VitaminD, calcium and other hormones to effectively breakdown and rebuild bone.

Estrogen has antiaging effects as it promotes collegen formation which is essential for skin elasticity.

Estrogen plays an important role in blood clotting. It also, relax, smooth and dilates blood vessels so blood flow increases.

Symptoms of Menopause;

As there is shift of hormones like estrogen and progesteron ,women may experience different symptoms like hot flushes,weight gain and psychologicl issues. Estrogen production gradually decreases so these symptomst appears slowly .

Hot flushes;most common symptom, around 75% women reported hot flushes .it is warmth sensation over face and upper body along with sweating and increased heart rate.

Psychological problems like depression and anxiety are common during this phase of life. As estrogen has an important role in serotonin production, modifying the production and the effects of endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. Estrogen also protects nerves from damage and possibly stimulating nerve growth.

Weight gain; Low levels of estrogen cause muscle wasting and fat deposition in postmenopausal women which may result in weight gain.

Bone loss /osteoporosis ;The bones of the female skeleton depend on oestrogen to maintain their strength and resistance. Low levels of estrogen increase bone turnover and this results in severe reduction of bone density. Postmenopausal women are more likely to get fractures as reported by some studies.

vaginal dryness; cessation of estrogen production buy ovaries may result in vaginal atrophy(thinning of walls) and dryness.

How to manage symptoms of Menopause naturally;

Menopause is a natural phenomena and there are healthful, natural ways to manage the change it can bring. Life style interventions like diet,physical activity, and good sleep can minimize the symptoms of Menopause.

Diet; Diet play an important role in overall health in every phase of life. similarly Menopause symptoms can be reduced or minimized by taking balanced healthy diet consist of varied food groups.

Fresh fruits and vegeatbles; Fruits and vegetables are the source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. several vegetables like spinch argula and kala are loaded with mineals like calcium, magnesium,Zinc, iodine and folate.

vitamin D rich food ; As bone become week and fragile which may increases chance of fracture in postmenopause women. Food rich in vitamin D like dairy products,low fat yogurts and salmon may hepful .

Eat your phytoestrogens ;These are plant derived chemicals, mimic the action of human oestrogen and may help in reducing severity of hot flushes, and mood swings in some women. Foods like soyabeans, lentils and chickpeas are a rich source of isoflavin( one of Phytoestrogen).

Low sodium die; Avoid added salt as sodium increases calcium loss via the kidney. snack food,canned food and meat has high sodium content. Try to incorporate grains, vegetables, fruits and beans in your diet as they are low in sodium.

Moove your foot Exercise is another important pillar of a healthy life. Regular daily activities like walking and aerobic exercise are helpful in maintaining healthy weight, boots mood and improve blood circulation. A review of studies correlates the greatest likelihood to reduce symptoms of menopause with women who have the greatest physical fitness.

Diverse Hands Holding The Word Exercise

Sleep well ; During this phase, women experience insomina (lack of sleep) or disturb sleeping habits.To overcome this issue, follow a regular sleep including weekends, block out all light sources and sleep in a cool environment to promote healthy sleep habits.

Stop smoking; women who smoke might reach menopause earlier then who never smoke. Giving up smoking may reduce the risk of other complication like cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis.

”Menopause is definitely a time of choice and should really be about finding out what you really want. It is time to take charge and shape the remaining chapters of your life.”

Pregnancy is a time when women believe that they need an extra amount of food for themselves and growing fetus. According to a survey conducted by the National Charity Partnership (NCP),1 in 3 pregnant women still believes that they should consume 300 or more calories every day.

But studies have shown that this myth has harmful effects on the mother as well as baby health. Eating too many calories means excess weight gain which can be detrimental for both mother and baby.

There are no official guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy in UK, but according to the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation:

Pregnancy complication
for overweight or obese women

Gestational diabetes

Preeclampsia or high blood pressure

Increased risk of Miscarriages

Cesarean section

Being overweight or obese causes a problem for baby:

Large for gestational age

Premature birth

Birth defects

Risk of type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and obesity later in life.

According to NICE guidance: A pregnant women normally need to have 2,000 calories per day, as energy intakes do not change in the first 6 months of pregnancy. However, women should require 200 extra calories per day in their last trimester. These extra 200 calories can be

Take home message;

Moderation is key; Eat
varied diet comprises of all food groups.

Fruits and vegetable should be taken in plenty as they are a good source of fibre and vitamin.

Choose healthy carbohydrates like whole- grain cereals, bread.

Proteins either in the form of meat, eggs or plant based like pulses.

Eat two portions of fish as it is an excellent way to get omega 3 fatty acids.

Choose healthy snacks.

Avoid salt laden and sugary food.

Moderate light exercise
during pregnancy is also helpful for preventing excess weight gain.

‘‘Listen
to your body, but only when you know its intentions are sound.’’